How to Keep Cellular Data Active While Connected to a Local Hotspot for File Transfer?

Hi all,

I’m developing a companion iOS app that connects to a device-created Wi-Fi hotspot to transfer videos or other files WebSocket.

The challenge is: once the iPhone connects to this hotspot, it loses internet access because iOS routes all traffic through Wi-Fi. However, I’d like to keep the iPhone’s cellular data active and usable while staying connected to the local hotspot — so the app can access cloud APIs, or the user can continue using other apps that require internet access.

I understand that iOS prioritizes Wi-Fi over cellular, but are there any supported workarounds or patterns (e.g., MFi programs, local-only Wi-Fi access, NEHotspotConfiguration behavior, etc.) that :

• Using Wi-Fi only for local communication;

• cellular to remain active for internet access.

Any insights or Apple-recommended best practices would be greatly appreciated — especially any official references regarding MFi Accessory setup or NEHotspotConfiguration behavior in this context.

Thanks in !